Mr. Speaker, there is a pattern and that pattern is the lack of transparency, accountability and honesty. What transpired a month ago has now become very important for Canadians, and they have been asking: what is the government doing?
Last Friday the Prime Minister, in regard to the Minister of State for the Status of Women, said:
I've referred the allegations to the conflict of interest and ethics commissioner and to the RCMP.
Yet, this very morning the same ethics commissioner said:
I have not had an official request from the Prime Minister to investigate anything relating to [the member for Simcoe--Grey].
Why is it that the government in general and the Prime Minister in particular have such problems in clearly stating the truth?
The well paid spin doctors in the Prime Minister's Office seem to have their hands full. I think it is important that statements be clarified.